Strange Observation

[Alien Mantis]

My car audio system sounds better at night.

Is this all in my head, or is this a legitimate phenomenon?

:iono:

[_S7V7N_]

I used to think the same thing, When i don't see how if you're having to use the headlights which draws current and i would think power away from the audio ? Unless it kicks the alternator to put out a few more amps then maybe it'll beef up the audio, i'm sure one of the more knowledgeable guys will come along and set us straight.

[talnlnky]

there has been a lot of talk about this.... some people think it has to do with a reduction in electro-magnetism in the air sense the sun has set.

I personally think it has to do with cold temps and humidity. In highschool I was in band, the best I ever heard our band sound was when we were practicing one cool, foggy morning. Our sound was incredibly warm sounding.

[sqcomp]

One time...at band camp...

:P

[_S7V7N_]

Loll @ band camp, Taln is going to unleash the wraith of the flute on you Sq.

[Palmer812]

Not very technical but I always assumed that the air was "thinner" allowing the sound to travel better.

[talnlnky]

Not very technical but I always assumed that the air was "thinner" allowing the sound to travel better.

actually... air is denser when it is cooler, which allows sound to travel better.

[sqcomp]

It makes sense. I always enjoyed my morning listening while going into work.

Not that short term cooling will affect the outcome...but in competition it's smart to have the air conditioning on before critical listening judging. The first, and most obvious reason, is to make the judges as comfortable as possible. The second MAY just be to cool the interior down enough that it MIGHT have an effect on the speakers. Maybe.

[eTiMaGo]

maybe it's also quieter outside, hence less background noise?

[Altitude]

maybe it's also quieter outside, hence less background noise?

I would lean more towards something like that and/or that there is less visual stimuli so other senses such as hearing are heightened.

[Blue Y job]

I'm with Altitude. During the day, you're thinking about where you're going, and soaking up the terrain going by. At night, the visual is greatly simplified, leaving more room in your brain to process other stimuli.

[Alien Mantis]

actually... air is denser when it is cooler, which allows sound to travel better.


I'm going with this theory.

The sound seems to be a tiny bit louder, and crisper/tighter at night.

I wonder if "light" in the car affects sound? Since there is no sunlight coming through the car windows at night.

I know I am not imagining it, and there must be a scientific explanation for it.

[Mobius1]

Its all in your head.

[centrysis]

mine sounds louder in the morning. i thought it was because my hearing was a little better after hearing nothing all night. after getting off work and being around noise all day, my hearing was worse.

[talnlnky]

mine sounds louder in the morning. i thought it was because my hearing was a little better after hearing nothing all night. after getting off work and being around noise all day, my hearing was worse.

i'm sure being in a noisy work environment is most of it... but actually.. your speakers should be loudest when they are first played... before amplifiers & voice coils warm up to operating temperatures and resistance starts rising.

[KCALB SIRAY]

maybe it's also quieter outside, hence less background noise?

Thomas is right. The temp in your car is most always at a comfortable constant level give or take a few degrees accroding to your area and comfort level. You're not going to drive around with the temp set at 55 degrees. There is generally less traffic noise, and day to day noises at night anyway.